30 Student Teacher Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Student Teacher interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Behavioral
1. What positive reinforcement will you use to navigate troublesome students back onto the path of educational success?
How to Answer
Positive reinforcement is less used than negative reinforcement. If you have ways to stay positive, the interviewer will be impressed. Share things you plan to do in the classroom.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"Positive reinforcement can look a lot of ways. One way is with simple gestures of positive verbal feedback. Another is through candy, small prizes, and extra credit."
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
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Behavioral
2. How do you bring in the parents when a behavioral problem is taking place with their student?
How to Answer
Parents need to be apart of their child's learning. Often, they are left out because teachers do not reach out. But, parents can be a teacher's perfect resource. Talking with a parent about their child's troubles can aid in communication and a plan for the future.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"Whenever I am having an issue with a student, I reach out to a student's parents. The parents are always open to doing what is best for their child. We can come up with a plan that gives constructive feedback in the future for their student."
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Behavioral
3. What is the best way to keep students inspired, so they do not become a distraction but instead self-directed individuals?
How to Answer
Inspiring students can be one of the hardest parts of the job. To be a quality teacher, you have to have the appropriate mix of being energetic, motivating, and good at teaching material. Explain how you will accomplish this appropriately.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"Inspiration can come in many forms. I know I will not reach every student, but I can sure try. One way I try to inspire is to live out what I teach. If I ask students to accomplish something, I should do the same. Students will see how I actively live my life, and this can bring about good things."
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Behavioral
4. How would you work with a student who is often defiant?
How to Answer
Answering a question about a troublesome student is expected in any teaching interview. The interviewer wants to see how you handle the hardest of students. Give specifics on a step-by-step process to make things work.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"Most students you act out are yearning for attention. Many times, talking with the student one-on-one can be a defusing experience. I work to give them more positive reinforcement, whether vocalized, physical rewards, or call home to encourage the parents."
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Behavioral
5. How would you react if a student said you were the worst teacher on planet Earth?
How to Answer
There may come a time when a student says something awful towards you to hurt you. How you react will make all the difference. An interviewer wants to see your plan of attack and how things will look with the student in the future.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"No teacher wants to hear those words coming out of the mouth of a student. But, if it happens, I need to keep my cool. I would speak to the student individually. If the problem continued to persist, I would bring another teacher into the fold. The administration will be communicated to in the situation either way."
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Common
6. Explain your work philosophy.
How to Answer
Everyone has a different way that they work. Having a work philosophy can help an interviewer see your value. Share how your typical day would look and what things are most imperative.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"My work philosophy is a day-to-day process. Of course, when a student needs anything, I will drop anything to make things work. But, typically, I spend my mornings prepping for the day, teaching, and grading. When I start to get worn, I take a quick walk or turn on some tunes to remotivate myself."
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Common
7. What questions can we answer for you?
How to Answer
An interviewer wants to see how much research you have done on the school. Come up with some questions beforehand about what you want to know about the school. You can impress an interviewer with the right kind of interest.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"I went on your website last week and saw that the school does not have a girls soccer team. Would the school be interested in making a club or team in the future?"
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Common
8. What are your qualifications for this position?
How to Answer
Even though you have a resume to share with the interviewer, they want to know what qualifications stand out to you. By sharing your background, you can speak yourself up in a humble way. The more you share, the more things you will have at your disposal to impress the interviewer.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"I received my education from the University of Syracuse and graduated top-5 in my class. My focus area was in English education with a minor in E.L.L. I have also been certified in Sign Language and Spanish."
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Common
9. Describe your best strength.
How to Answer
Everyone is quick to answer their strengths in an interview. However, to have the best answer possible, share a strength that most other candidates would not have. Sure, you will have to think ahead before the interview, but preparation is essential.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"One strength that I have is diligence. When a student is struggling, I do not cut corners with them. I will work with them as long as they are willing to work. If they do not want to work, I will work to inspire them to help them be successful. This example is who I am."
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Common
10. Share your career goals.
How to Answer
Some more background about yourself to the interviewer never hurts. Give a few goals that you want to accomplish as a teacher. Examples of this include education, certification, conferences, etc.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"A few career goals in my life include getting my master's degree in curriculum development. I love the planning process, and I believe I can improve, as well as work with fellow teachers around me to succeed. Another goal is to get some training every year to broaden my horizons. Training can include classroom management, activities, and learning styles that interest me."
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Common
11. Explain your greatest weakness and how you work to improve it.
How to Answer
This question is one of the most common ones in an interview. An interviewer wants you to be honest about your flaws but also proactive in how you try to make it a strength. Do not feel sheepish with this question because the interviewer understands that no one is perfect and will not hold it against you.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"My greatest weakness is classroom management. When working with students, it can be challenging to know what to do when a child acts out. I have been connecting with fellow teachers and looking for resources to help me in this area. I would also be willing to have experienced teachers come and observe my class to give me feedback."
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Common
12. What made you become an educator?
How to Answer
This example is another background question to help the interviewer understand who you are as an individual. Speak to things in your life that drew you to the profession. An example could include your own educational experiences.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I was in 6th grade, I had a phenomenal teacher. Mrs. Jackson was patient with me, even when I did not get the material. She would encourage me and speak truthfully to me when other adults like her would not. I want to bring a part of Mrs. Jackson into my teaching."
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Discovery
13. Share how you are an energetic and positive individual.
How to Answer
The interviewer knows you will not always be positive and energetic. However, be specific with some times that you have fulfilled those qualities. Speaking of how students reacted will give you bonus points as well.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"It was a Monday. You know how Mondays can be? I greeted students at the door with smiles and hellos. My students either thought I was a little crazy, or they were motivated during the day. Both were reactions got a smile, and that was contagious."
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Discovery
14. What do you look forward to when it pertains to teaching?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to see your vision and dreams for the future. Think about experiences you are hoping for in the classroom to give clarity to the situation. This way, you will give purpose to what you are looking to accomplish as a teacher at this specific school.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"As a teacher, I look forward to working with students and seeing the lightbulb come on. I want to be a part of situations where I can learn and grow, along with my students. These examples, to me, matter in progressing as a teacher. I am also excited to be with a community that truly cares about its students."
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Discovery
15. How are you a team player?
How to Answer
When being considered for any job, interviewers want to know how you will be a team player. Every person is unique and special, but fitting all the pieces together can be a challenge. Speak to how you add and enhance a group, even when it is hard.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"While in college, I had to be a team player. When working with my cohort or lesson planning with fellow teachers, it was important for me to be flexible and reliable. I believe I can bring those same characteristics to this school, too."
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Discovery
16. What does project-based learning look like in your classroom?
How to Answer
Projects are a necessary part of any classroom curriculum. An interviewer looks forward to hearing how a student teacher will make this work in the classroom. Give examples of the whole process to give a clear perspective.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"For project-based learning, I have students work in groups because team collaboration is a valuable life skill. Each student in the group has a specific piece of the puzzle to research. This way, they can bring all the information together."
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Discovery
17. In what ways do you use data to help differentiate your instruction?
How to Answer
Instruction can not stay stagnant, or things get boring in a classroom. Students also struggle to learn. An interviewer wants to take in all the methods that you have in the tool bag. Give specifics to help lead your students in the right direction.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"Not all students learn the same way, so I mix a lot of things into one class to give variance. I have students read and write each day in different ways. For example, reading for Monday involves silent reading, Tuesday is group reading, and so on."
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18. How are positive relationships built in your classroom?
How to Answer
Classroom culture is what every interviewer wants to gather from an interviewee. By stating how this works in your classroom can go a long way. Ultimately, positive relationships help fuel a school in the right direction, and an interviewer wants to see and hear this.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"Building positive relationships in my classroom does not happen overnight. These relationships happen day in and day out. To make this happen, I give my students opportunities to grow in this area. Team-building and positive and constructive feedback is vital for healthy relationships."
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19. In what ways do you teach students who have varying abilities?
How to Answer
In the 21st Century, every student learns differently, whether or not they are on the spectrum. You must show how you multitask in the classroom to help students in the right direction. Share your success stories here.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I started some classroom collaboration last semester, the teacher wanted me to work with a young man with A.D.D. Though his attention span was short, I had to try to keep him on track and vary the lessons taught to help him personally. One way the young man had success was through repetition, so we continued to press ahead in that manner."
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Discovery
20. What makes you the best option for the student teaching vacancy?
How to Answer
With this question, the interviewer is trying to separate the student teaching pool. To do this, they will try to see what best qualities each candidate has. Then, they can fill the vacancy much easier.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"I believe I am the best option to fill the student teaching position for a few reasons. First, I am adaptable and flexible to help my peers in any way possible. Secondly, I will live up to expectations. There will be standards to follow, and I will work hard to cover and exceed them."
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Discovery
21. Describe the worst problem you had to endure in your life and how you overcame it.
How to Answer
By sharing a problem in your life, the interviewer can see how you have pushed forward. Everyone has adversity in their lives. But, how you have overcome the situation shows your true colors.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"The worst problem in my life was having my parents get a divorce. At first, I did not know how to react. It was shocking and overwhelming. But, over time, I started to spend time with both my parents separately, so I could still have a relationship with them. When I started to do that, my life felt completer than it had been in years."
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Discovery
22. How has college prepped you for teaching?
How to Answer
When involved in an interview, the interviewer wants to get to know your past. By talking about your college experience, you can give detailed information on your life that has prepared you for a moment such as this. The more examples, the better her that connect with teaching.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"College has prepared me in many ways to become a teacher. First, while in college, I was able to work with students near the university for afterschool tutoring. Furthermore, I got into some classrooms to observe over the last few semesters. This experience has opened my eyes to the possibilities of being a teacher."
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Discovery
23. How would you feel if a student failed?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to see your empathy in this specific situation. At one time or another, a student will fail. Speaking to how you might react will help the interviewer see your compassion in the most challenging of instances.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"Of course, I would never like a student to fail. But, if a student does fail in my class, I will work diligently to make sure they do not compound the issue the next quarter. In turn, I would work with the student moving forward to make sure assignments, projects, and quizzes are completed efficiently, in whatever way possible. Before school, after school, and lunch is when I could make things work."
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24. Share a time you were a risk-taker.
How to Answer
There are times in any profession where people have to go outside their comfort zone. Proving that you have been a risk-taker in your life will show your humanity and flexibility. Give an example that expands on your value.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"I had never tried rock climbing in a gym before. One of the main reasons was the fact that I am afraid of heights. Well, a friend convinced me, and I tried it. Even though I did not make it to the top, I expanded my horizons that day."
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25. What challenges do you expect as a student-teacher?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to make sure you have an idea of what to expect in the job you want. To do this appropriately, speak to challenges for the specific school. Then, the interviewer will see that you have done your due diligence beforehand.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"As a student teacher, I expect classroom management to be a challenge because it will be new for me. Also, balancing how to interact with the students may be another challenge. Young and new teachers bring off a different relationship than a veteran teacher. Ultimately, I want to strive to be professional in anything that I do."
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Scenario Based
26. How would you go about helping a student that is struggling to learn a new concept?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants specific ways that you will go into helping a student that is not getting the material the first time. It is common knowledge that not everyone is going to make sense of a new concept the very first time. By showing patience and having a few tricks up your sleeve, you can speak to the plan to help all students succeed.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"When it comes to each student, I know that everyone learns differently. If I am teaching a student about past tense verbs, I try some different ways to help them succeed. Not every student is going to learn through memorization, so having back-up plans like activities and visual cues to help in the process."
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Scenario Based
27. One of your classes has many English language learners in it. How will you help support literacy for them?
How to Answer
Having English language learners is more and more prevalent in the 21st Century. An interviewer wants to see how you will help in the process. Come up with constructive feedback and activities to help get E.L.L. students succeeding like none other.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"For E.L.L. students, I want to work hard to prepare them for what they need. Kahoot! is one of the resources I use to get students to interact with the material. This activity is a fun way for students to learn, we can have immediate feedback, and there is a little fun in the process."
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Scenario Based
28. A student is not learning through textbooks and worksheets. How will you use 21-Century learning through the help of technology?
How to Answer
Technology is the life we are living in this day and age. Students need the perfect amount of technology to enhance but not take over learning. Interviewers want to see your savvy and your creativity in the process.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"There are so many pieces of technology out there to enhance the learning of students. I like Prezi as one of the best ways to present. It is better than PowerPoint because it creates a new sense of visual learning that few platforms can achieve."
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Scenario Based
29. Describe how you work through stressful experiences.
How to Answer
Stress is a part of any job, and the interviewer knows this to be true. But, as the interviewee, you can wow them by giving a concrete example and how you flipped it to be positive. An experience like this will show that you have a maturity that students can see.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I first started observing a classroom in college, I had a student that was trying to get a rise out of me. They started saying some inappropriate things in my direction. Instead of me reacting by yelling or getting upset, even if I felt that way inside, I spoke calmly towards the student, got the homeroom teacher involved, and it never happened again with that student."
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Scenario Based
30. Let's say you are taking care of a student who is struggling. How do you enjoy the process with them?
How to Answer
A scenario question puts you in the shoes of a student-teacher. The interviewer wants to see how you will react. In any student teaching position, the interviewer wants to observe how you think on your feet.
Written by Shane Reinhard on February 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"A struggling student can be a frustrating event in time. But, with the right mindset, the student and teacher can still have fun. When I am working with a student that is not grasping the material, I try to ask them questions about their experience to come to a positive conclusion on the topic. This example is one that allows the students to feel confident when learning, instead of being stressed."
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